Former Lakehurst Landfill Site Under Consideration for Solar Farm Development

Redevelopment Agency is considering whether a former landfill site could be leased for use as a solar energy farm. 

The site, which is located near the borough's public works and , has not attracted any other types of development. The green energy solution could be beneficial for the borough and the environment, said agency member James Davis at the body's meeting last week.

"Frankly, if we're not getting any bites to develop it for a building site, I think a commercial lease of the property [for a solar energy farm] ... would have zero environmental impact," he said.

The solar farm at the about 11 acre site would be implemented and maintained by the leasee, Davis said, meaning the borough would not have to worry about upkeep or security. 

"We'd be getting a monthly revenue stream. The equipment is theirs," Davis said.

Davis proposed the idea and brought it to agency member Gary Lowe, who has led the research into possibly offering the land for solar farm lease.

Lowe said that the borough must consult with JCP&L to see whether the utility company would be interested in purchasing the electricity. Additionally, the proper power lines would have to be in place to carry electricity produced.

"We wouldn't benefit from the electric," Lowe said. "Just the money."

A solar panel facility may prove to be beneficial since it would avoid the traffic and road usage headaches of a professional building.

"This presents none of that. It represents green energy and it represents an income stream to the borough," Davis said. 

The land also has a "full-on southern exposure," Davis said, meaning that solar panels would get plenty of sunlight. 

"It's the perfect use for a former landfill site," said mayor Harry Robbins, who serves as redevelopment agency chairman. 

In addition to being considered for a professional office space, the site was considered for a windmill energy facility, though the location's proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst scuttled those plans. 

Typically, land for solar panel farms is granted on a 25 year lease, the agency said. After the first five years, the terms of the lease could be reexamined.